Milner: Ferguson's record was ridiculous but his retirement changes nothing at City... we just want our title back

James Milner believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's departure at Manchester United will have no bearing on cross-town rivals City in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title next season.

The midfielder, who admitted he was 'bitterly disappointed' at how City's title defence withered as Ferguson's United ripped it back from their 'noisy neighbours', paid tribute to the outgoing Scot for his 'ridiculous' achievements at the club.

He said: 'I don’t think that affects us really. We concentrate on our business over here and it’s obviously big news but all we are concentrating on us the FA Cup final.

Unaffected: James Milner (left) believes the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson will change nothing for City

'It’s not going to be any more open than it would have been if he was there next year. He’s been an amazing manager for them over the years, his record is ridiculous, unreal, but we are concerned on our side.

'We are bitterly disappointed how the League went this year, the main thing is that we win a piece of silverware at the weekend, do that and take the momentum of winning a trophy into next season and have a good league campaign.'

But former City captain Paul Lake believes Ferguson's departure could prove a 'pivotal moment' in their battle for supremacy with United.

So long the second team in Manchester, Lake, a City fan who spent his entire career at the club, believes Ferguson's departure provides them with a chance to overtake United.

'I would suggest everyone will see it as a chance to establish ourselves," he said.

'We are planning for next season at the same time as what we're doing now.

'Yes, Sir Alex is going to pass that mantle over to somebody. They will have a fantastic squad of players enriched with success and that mindset - these guys are going to feel 10 foot tall whoever comes in.

'But we've also experienced that and now know what it takes. We've got that experience under our belts.

'It could be a very pivotal moment in the power struggle in Manchester but nothing is taken for granted.

Opportunity: Former Manchester City star Paul Lake (right) believes Ferguson leaving could be a good thing for the Blue side of Manchester

'We've got to bring in different players and there are those that are going to be offloaded.

'We are building now to regain that title so it could be pivotal but whoever takes that role will still have the guidance and that person to steer them that is one of the greatest managers ever.

'The challenge is ours but it could be a great moment for us to really turn the screw.'

While glad to see Ferguson move on from a City perspective, Lake has nothing but admiration for a man that has shown him so much respect in the past.

'I've got the utmost respect for Sir Alex Ferguson,' he said, speaking at an event for the FA Cup silversmiths Thomas Lyte in central London.

'I had my testimonial back in 1997. We had no-one to play a game and one of my committee members was talking to Sir Alex and he said "why haven't you asked me?"

'He said "well, you're United" to which Sir Alex said "well, ask me the question".

Shock: Ferguson announced his retirement from the game yesterday after reclaiming the Premier League

'He did and he responded "of course I will play for Paul and I will make sure David Beckham is there, Paul Scholes is there, the Nevilles are there".

'That is the measure of the man. He is an incredible man as well as an amazing manager.

'As a City fan, though, obviously there was a little kind of feeling that, wow, this is a real opportunity for us. It is an exciting moment and I've seen on Twitter, Facebook and all the social media that it is party time for City fans.

'There again, there is somebody with a lot of experience that is going to come in with Sir Alex's guidance but I've got to say there was a big part of me that had a huge smile for most of the day.

'We know his reign has finally come to an end and whoever takes it on has got a huge responsibility - imagine our expectations times 10 or times 100.

'That person has to fill those shoes, fill that gap and carry on as Sir Alex left off so it is a great moment for us and I personally am really excited by the prospect.'